Gothika (2003)

Synopsis:

Following a car accident, a young psychiatrist wakes up as a patient in her own mental hospital.

Gothika is a blend of many genres such as supernatural thriller, ghost story as well as possession film.

The main concept of having a psychiatrist locked up in her own hospital is a very good one. The film half of the film is filled with very clever scenes where she finally understand what it must have felt like for her patient. Her descent into madness is well-told, bringing some great scenes of psychological horror.

The rest, namely the second part, is a more basic ghost story. It brings its lot of surprises and creepiness, but is not up to the first half standard. The story that was set into motion should nevertheless keep you on-edge until the very end.

Hale Berry does a great job as the main actress; she really brings an extra little something to her character. The presence of additional big Hollywood figures such as Penelope Cruz, Robert Downley Jr (Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes), Charles S. Dutton (Dillon in Alien3) as well as a brilliant John Carroll Lynch (Shutter island, Zodiac), is certainly a plus.

Overall, Gothika is a quality horror/thriller that deserves its place in every horror fan collection.